Sexual attraction is one of the many mysteries in life. The sexual attraction of one human being to another has been responsible for wars, broken relationships and has also created happiness and peace the world over. Understanding attraction is complicated and scientists have been trying to determine the equation that makes one person feel sexually attracted to another for many years. The mystery of sexual attraction may remain hidden for eternity, but it certainly is an interesting topic to explore.

Human beings are not the only species in the world who display sexual attraction towards one another. Several types of animals are known to practice mating rituals or perform all sorts of ridiculous stunts to attract potential sex partners. The same way animals practice techniques of attraction, humans practice similar techniques in order to attract a person sexually. Cultural differences often play a huge role in how attraction works.

Physical Attraction

One of the most important aspects of sexual attraction is physical attraction. No matter how many times people tell you that “looks don't matter”, the mating rituals of human beings around the world suggest that looks do matter. The definition of a “good looking” person varies from culture to culture, however. The media also plays a big role in physical attraction between people often suggesting that one particular body type is more attractive than another, and so on.

In the end, physical attraction can't really be measured because it's a matter of personal taste.

Physical attraction is basically discovered through the effect that one person has on another person's senses. If a person smells good, for example, that person may become more attractive than a person who does not smell good. A person who smells bad is usually considered unattractive and repulsive.

A person’s culture typically defines what is physically attractive. In some countries, having a tan is considered sexually attractive, while in other countries having pale skin is the norm. The specifics of physical attraction are usually related to cultural norms. What is considered attractive in one culture may actually be frowned upon in another, so that gives great encouragement to those of us who may be lacking the “physical edge” when it comes to sexual attraction.

Sexual attractiveness in cultures are usually measured by some basics, such as:

- General body shape

- General body health (lack of any physical disease or obvious deformity)

- Attractive body proportions

- Pleasing posture

There also may be a physical focus on certain proportions of certain parts of the body in some cultures, such as the buttocks or legs. Muscular features may be appreciated in some cultures, while they may be frowned upon in others. Weight is a highly disputable factor in many different cultures. Being obese is rarely seen as attractive, but there are variations as to how much weight is too much and other ideas such as that.

Other Factors of Sexual Attraction

There are a number of reasons that people become sexually attracted to one another. Much of what is found sexually attractive has been passed down from generation to generation. People often look for similar things in a variety of cultures when it comes to sexual attraction. Gender differences often play heavily into what people look for in terms of sexual attractiveness, as men and women often have different sexual goals.

Women, for example, are often attracted to men that are capable of behaving in caring ways towards children. They are attracted to men with good hearts that treat them with respect, whereas men tend to focus more on physical attraction. Women look for men who can take care of them and can give them security, for the most part, although many modern notions suggest variations of that. Women today tend to be more independent, so the security factor does not mean as much in terms of sexual attraction.

There are personality traits that factor in to sexual attractiveness as well, but these are typically specific to the particular person and are rarely universal. Traits like intelligence, humor and compassion are often regarded very highly in most societies. The role of personality traits in terms of sexuality is often regarded as very important in most societies, but most of the facts we have regarding sexuality throughout history suggest that certain physical features end up being more important.

Becoming More Sexually Attractive

Physical attraction does not necessarily refer simply to a person’s looks. Physical attraction also has a lot to do with the smell, hygiene and general personality. There are things that people can do to achieve higher levels of physical and sexual attractiveness. Self-improvement, self-confidence and self-respect are all traits that are generally associated with keeping a higher level of physical sexual attractiveness. There are certain ways for members of both genders to become more sexually attractive:

- Add variety to your look. Wear different types of clothes, perfumes or colognes and hair styles on a regular basis.

- Practice good posture, especially when walking. The way a person walks and stands generally tells a lot about him or her and can factor in to the overall sexual attractiveness of a person.

- Develop good conversation skills. Keeping other people interested is a way to entertain others and keep them engaged in dialogue.

- Wear clean clothes. As smell is a significant factor in sexual attractiveness, always be sure to wear clothes that are clean.

- Keep your hair cut properly. If you look better with long hair, wear it in a way that flatters your facial features. If short hair is your thing, wear it confidently and with flair.

- Shave. Shave the areas of your body where hair should not be. Of course, this will differ in a variety of cultures. Keeping your body hair to proper standards is an important aspect of sexual attractiveness.

There are certainly a number of behaviors people practice to achieve higher levels of sexual attractiveness, as different cultures suggest different ways to communicate sexually. Learning the ways and trends of a particular culture is a great way to create a base of knowledge for what sexual attractiveness is and the importance it can have in your social life.

Stay Positive!

The bottom line when it comes to attractiveness is that a positive attitude goes a long way. As long as you stay positive and have a good outlook on life, others will find you attractive. When you feel good about yourself, even if you don't think you match society's standards of beauty or sexiness, you appear more confident and sexually attractive to other people. Confidence is key, so take note of the cultural differences in sexual attractiveness and stay positive in the often confusing game of life and love.

How's Your Sex Life?

For some of us, regular sex is as necessary as breathing; others don't mind an occasional dry spell. Where you fall on the nookie spectrum has a lot to do with just how passionate you are about making whoopee. Find out how much you really want it with this libido quiz.